About Us
The Nova Scotia Medical Examiner Service (NSMES) provides independent medicolegal death investigation services on behalf of the Province of Nova Scotia. We investigate deaths resulting from criminal violence, accidents, suicide, sudden or unexpected natural causes, deaths occurring in custody, unattended deaths, and deaths that are suspicious or otherwise require investigation under the Fatality Investigations Act. Our Service also oversees cremation approvals and supports organ, tissue, and human body donation programs.
Our mission is to serve Nova Scotians through impartial, compassionate, and scientifically rigorous death investigation. We work collaboratively with healthcare providers, law enforcement, forensic specialists, and justice partners to determine the circumstances surrounding death, provide answers to families, support the administration of justice, and contribute to public health and injury prevention.
About Our Opportunity
Are you an experienced Registered Nurse or Critical Care Paramedic looking for a unique opportunity to apply your clinical expertise beyond traditional patient care?
As a Medical Death Investigator (MDI), you will combine advanced clinical knowledge, critical thinking, investigative skills, and compassionate communication to conduct independent medicolegal death investigations throughout Nova Scotia.
Working alongside Medical Examiners, forensic pathologists, law enforcement agencies, emergency responders, and healthcare professionals, you will play a vital role in determining the cause and manner of death while supporting families during one of the most difficult times in their lives.
This position offers an exceptional opportunity to apply your clinical experience in a challenging, autonomous, and rewarding environment where every investigation contributes to public safety, public health, and the administration of justice.
Primary Accountabilities
As a Medical Death Investigator, you will:
· Conduct comprehensive medicolegal investigations into sudden, unexpected, unexplained, violent, and suspicious deaths reported to the Nova Scotia Medical Examiner Service.
· Independently assess reported deaths to determine jurisdiction and recommend appropriate investigative actions in consultation with the on-call Medical Examiner.
· Attend death scenes when required to conduct forensic scene examinations, document observations, collect and preserve evidence, examine the decedent, obtain photographs, and prepare detailed investigative reports.
· Obtain, analyze, and synthesize complex medical information from physicians, nurse practitioners, hospitals, emergency responders, and medical records to support accurate death investigations.
· Collaborate with Medical Examiners, forensic pathologists, law enforcement agencies, emergency responders, funeral service professionals, and other stakeholders throughout the investigative process.
· Coordinate post-mortem examinations, transportation of decedents, and related investigative activities.
· Maintain complete, accurate, and legally defensible investigative documentation within the electronic case management system.
· Provide compassionate guidance and clear communication to grieving families by explaining the investigative process, obtaining relevant information, and responding to questions throughout the investigation.
· Liaise with the Regional Tissue Bank, Organ Donation Program, and the Dalhousie Human Body Donation Program regarding donation eligibility and required referrals.
· Review and approve cremation requests and transportation authorizations, initiating investigations when required.
· Certify Medical Certificates of Death, under the direction of the Chief Medical Examiner, for designated non-Fatality Investigations Act deaths.
· Provide investigative consultation and support to partner jurisdictions, including services provided under interprovincial agreements.
· Participate in ongoing education, quality improvement initiatives, and the Investigator Training and Certification Program.
· Mentor new investigators and contribute to the continuous development of the Service.
· Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief Medical Examiner or designate.
Qualifications and Education
Applicants must possess one of the following:
· Registered Nurse (RN) in good standing (or eligible for registration) with the Nova Scotia College of Nursing; or
· Licensed Critical Care Paramedic in good standing with the appropriate regulatory body.
In addition, applicants must possess:
· Bachelor of Science in Nursing (for RN applicants) or equivalent education and certification appropriate to Critical Care Paramedic practice.
· Minimum of five (5) years recent experience in critical care, emergency medicine, trauma, advanced pre-hospital care, or another relevant acute care environment.
· An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
· Exceptional clinical assessment and critical thinking skills.
· Excellent judgment and the ability to make sound decisions independently in complex and time-sensitive situations.
· Strong investigative, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
· Ability to interpret and synthesize complex medical and technical information.
· Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
· Strong interviewing skills with the ability to establish rapport with grieving families and diverse stakeholders.
· Ability to maintain professionalism, discretion, confidentiality, and emotional composure while working in sensitive and traumatic circumstances.
· Excellent organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
· Strong computer skills and experience with electronic information systems.
· Ability to work collaboratively with physicians, law enforcement agencies, healthcare professionals, and justice partners.
· Commitment to continuous learning, quality improvement, and professional development.
· Valid Nova Scotia Driver’s Licence.
Working Conditions
This position requires the ability to:
· Lift up to 35 lbs and carry investigative equipment, including scene bags and camera equipment.
· Walk on uneven terrain, climb stairs, and safely navigate indoor and outdoor environments.
· Attend scenes in all weather conditions, at all hours of the day and night.
· Work in environments involving traumatic injuries, sudden deaths, homicides, suicides, fatal motor vehicle collisions, decomposed remains, and other emotionally challenging circumstances.
· Exercise sound judgment and maintain professionalism while working independently in dynamic and sometimes unpredictable environments.
· Travel throughout Nova Scotia, including occasional overnight travel.
Pay Grade
$42.00 – $50.00 per hour
Additional Information
· This position is primarily remote, with travel required to hospitals, healthcare facilities, residences, and death scenes throughout Nova Scotia.
· Medical Death Investigators participate in an on-call rotation covering evenings, weekends, and statutory holidays.
· Comprehensive orientation, mentoring, and investigator certification are provided.
· Successful candidates will work closely with Medical Examiners, forensic pathologists, police agencies, emergency responders, healthcare providers, and grieving families.
· This position offers a unique opportunity to combine advanced clinical practice with forensic medicine, investigation, and public service.
Why Join Our Team?
As a Medical Death Investigator, your work has a direct impact on families, communities, public health, and the justice system.
You’ll join a collaborative team dedicated to scientific excellence, compassionate service, and continuous learning while applying your clinical expertise in one of the most unique healthcare careers in Canada.
Employment Equity Statement
Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous Peoples, African Nova Scotians and other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities, women in occupations where they are under-represented, and members of other equity-deserving groups. If you are a member of one of these groups, you are encouraged to self-identify in your electronic application.
Selection Process
The Nova Scotia Medical Examiner Service is committed to selecting candidates who demonstrate the clinical expertise, professionalism, judgment, and interpersonal skills required to perform this unique role.
The selection process may include one or more of the following:
- Review of education, qualifications, and relevant clinical experience.
- Behavioural and competency-based interviews.
- Practical assessment exercises designed to evaluate critical thinking, clinical reasoning, investigative skills, written communication, and decision-making.
- Job shadowing with experienced Medical Death Investigators to provide candidates with an opportunity to observe the role and to assess mutual suitability.
- Reference checks and verification of professional registration and credentials.
- Criminal record, vulnerable sector, and other background checks as required.
Successful candidates will be selected based on their overall performance throughout the recruitment process, recognizing that the Medical Death Investigator role requires a unique combination of clinical expertise, investigative aptitude, sound judgment, professionalism, and compassion.
PLEASE NOTE
· Candidates selected for further consideration will participate in a comprehensive assessment process, which may include interviews, practical evaluations, and job shadowing.
· Applications must be complete and include all requested information to be considered.
· Employment is conditional upon satisfactory background checks, credential verification, and any other applicable pre-employment requirements.
· We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Dartmouth, NS
